Newsletter

2017-2024

Engaging Men And Boys: From programme to proof

© Women for Women International

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2017-2024

International Center for Research on Women

The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is a global research institute dedicated to tackling the challenges that face women and girls worldwide. ICRW has conducted pioneering research into the ways gender shapes societies and power imbalances diminish people’s lives. We’ve been funding them since 2018 to help fill the knowledge and practice gap regarding men’s and boys’ engagement towards gender equality.

CHALLENGE

Meaningful engagement with men and boys is increasingly recognised as critical not only for empowering women, but also more generally for transforming gender norms that reinforce patriarchy and harm men and women alike. Evidence-based strategies to engage boys and men are growing but still very limited.

© Hand In Hand International

ACTION

Following the research study “Gender equity and male engagement: it only works when everyone plays” conducted and published by the ICRW in 2018, a field trial has been launched to apply the lessons learned from this research and develop the evidence base for working with men and boys to promote gender equality.

The five-year trial incorporates male engagement strategies in the traditional women’s empowerment programmes that Women for Women International and Hand in Hand International run in Rwanda and Tanzania. 900 women and 470 men are being involved.

Building on the results, ICRW will develop a male engagement best practices toolkit to share sector-wide.

IMPACT

While the field trial will be monitored over its full five years, the preliminary results are already promising, with more women in paid employment, more land registered jointly as couples, better communication between couples, improved attitudes to gender equality and reduced acceptance of intimate partner violence.

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© Hand in Hand

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© Hand in Hand